The 2025 award show season is heating up with excitement and anticipation, particularly as the Brit Awards and Oscars are set to celebrate some of the most talented artists and performances from the past year. Yet, as nominations were unveiled, fans and critics alike found themselves captivated by not just who made the cut, but who was left off the list altogether.
At the Brit Awards, taking place at The O2 Arena on March 1, 2025, the air is thick with the buzz surrounding the nominations. Leading the charge is Charli XCX, whose album Brat has earned her five nominations. Yet, the nominations also sparked surprise and disappointment due to several notable snubs and unexpected inclusions.
One glaring omission is Ariana Grande, who has made waves not just on the charts but also on the silver screen, competing for her first Oscar with her performance in Wicked. Despite her mega-hit Eternal Sunshine which dominated the airwaves, she was overlooked for International Artist Of The Year. While the Brit Awards focus on homegrown talent, the absence of Grande's name from the list left many scratching their heads.
Conversely, the appointment of the Ezra Collective for Best New Artist raised eyebrows. The British five-piece is celebrated for their innovative jazz sound, yet they are already well-established, having snagged the Mercury Prize back in 2023. Their recognition as 'new' artists seems contradictory, igniting discussions about the criteria for such awards.
Another nomination leading to cheers was Rachel Chinouriri, whose debut album What A Devastated Turn Of Events has been touted as one of the must-listen releases of the year. With her nominations for both Best New Artist and Artist Of The Year, fans couldn't help but feel delighted, especially after she had seen no recognition at last year's Mercury Prize. Her inclusion alongside established acts like Dua Lipa and Charli XCX speaks volumes about her rising star status.
Yet not all artists enjoyed such favorable fortune. Blossoms, known for their hit album Gary, failed to secure any nominations, which was unexpected considering their commercial success and postulation as favorites to win British Group Of The Year. Similarly, Laura Marling, who has been celebrated within the music community for years, was left out of the Artist Of The Year category altogether, raising questions about the voting body’s criteria.
Over at the Oscars, similarly sharp reactions emerged as cinephiles began dissecting the nominations. Despite roles overflowing with talent, several major names were left on the cutting room floor. Daniel Craig's anticipated nominations were overshadowed when Sebastian Stan secured the spot for his portrayal of Donald Trump. Fans lamented the missed opportunity, especially after Craig’s transformative work.
Another significant snub was Danielle Deadwyler, who delivered stunning performances this year yet was again overlooked by the Academy for her role in The Piano Lesson. This marks her second missed nomination and fans couldn't help but express their frustration on social media, reflecting the industry-wide issue of recognition for black women artists.
On the flip side, Denzel Washington's strong performance was overshadowed, with the sequel Gladiator II receiving just one nomination, leaving many disappointed, particularly after he received Golden Globe recognition unaccompanied by Oscar love. The film’s lack of nominations hinted at how fraught the competition is within the industry.
Tensions escalated when Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who scored for Challengers, managed to miss out on nomination entirely, leaving audiences questioning the judgment of the Academy, especially considering their recent Golden Globe win for the same project. The score has been described as iconic, fitting perfectly within the film's emotional scope yet failed to garner any recognition.
Similarly, snubs were recorded for performers like Margaret Qualley and Marianne Jean-Baptiste who faced the brunt of the competition with no places at the Oscar table. Their absence left fans disappointed as they expressed their support online, wondering how such talent could go unrecognized.
Despite mixed reactions, some surprised nominations brought joy across social media. The nomination of Demi Moore for her performance underscored her return to the limelight, celebrating her complex role and long career. This year reflects the many faces of the industry, showcasing how unpredictable award seasons can be.
With only days until the Brit Awards and Oscars, discussions will undoubtedly continue to swirl around these snubs and surprises, shining light on what's often overlooked by award shows. The buzz around the performances and the talent involved reveal how the dynamics of the entertainment industry evolve rapidly, leaving audiences excited but often disheartened. Each award season offers new opportunities for artists and voices alike—whether it's through glaring omissions or well-deserved accolades, there’s no denying these events evoke strong sentiments from their audiences.